Russell Westbrook returned to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, adding 14 points and 7 assists during the team’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.
After the game, he spoke about his role as a team leader and his desire to get the Clippers out of their current rough patch.
“You don’t point fingers, you don’t point blame… I think each individual, we got to look within ourselves, and figure out how we can better help our team. And I think that’s where we start,” Westbrook said, per Tomer Azarly.
“Ultimately as a leader, it’s my job just to hold guys accountable, hold myself accountable, and make sure that we stay together through this tough little patch that we’re having,” he added.
Russell Westbrook on what he tells his Clippers teammates as a leader:
“You don't point fingers, you don't point blame… I think each individual, we got to look within ourselves, and figure out how we can better help our team. And I think that's where we start… Ultimately as… pic.twitter.com/y3S7kp2aaF
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 26, 2024
The Clippers, the fifth seed in the Western Conference, have now lost four of their last six games.
On Monday night, they were taken down by the Pacers, 133-116.
In the days before, it was the New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers who defeated them.
Westbrook is one of the few NBA players who is rarely ever hurt but he was recently injured at the start of March and missed multiple weeks of play.
And although some people have critiqued his style and what he contributes to the team, it certainly seemed like the Clippers were facing an identity crisis without him.
They suffered surprising losses and their defense and presence in the paint diminished without Westbrook.
Now that he’s back, the team is hoping to get on track and set themselves up for a strong playoff run.
They have been terrific for most of the regular season but everyone agrees this postseason means a lot to the Clippers.
After years of coming up short, they really have to deliver something special.
They are facing struggles at the worst time but Westbrook believes that his team can be led in the right direction.
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